HEAD coach Andy Robinson is unfazed by Scotland’s history in France and his side’s recent try-scoring record ahead of the Six Nations opener at the Stade de France.

Scotland have two wins in Paris in 42 years and are without a victory in the French capital since winning the final Five Nations in 1999.

But, after five wins in the last six Tests, Robinson is determined to oversee a performance which would earn Scotland a first win on the opening Six Nations weekend in five years – the last was their most recent win over France, at Murrayfield in 2006.

Robinson said: “We focus on what our performance is about; we can’t control what’s happened over the last 12 years.

“There’s been a lot of talking taking place and what’s key for us now is for us to get out and perform.

“What’s important for us is to look at where we are and the step-by-step process we’ve got to take to win the game.

“The start is crucial to that, playing away from home.

“Also being able to have a good set-piece and being able to control the ball.

“On top of that you’ve got to have an outstanding defence and one with a real collective will, coupled with good self-control so we’re not giving a lot of penalties away.

“I really rate the French kickers and if we give too many penalties away we’ll get the scoreboard ticking over for France.”

Throughout their recent run, which has included wins over Ireland, Argentina (twice), South Africa and Samoa, Scotland have scored three tries, often relying on the metronomic boot of fly-half Dan Parks and his understudy Ruaridh Jackson.

Robinson recognises Scotland must take points when they are available, but is unconcerned by the dearth of five-pointers.

“It’s important we score more points than the opposition and however we do that I don’t care,” Robinson added.

“Something that we need to improve on in our side is that ruthlessness that when we get chances to take them.”

The return of Alastair Kellock as captain will be key for Scotland.

The Glasgow Warriors second row missed the autumn internationals following knee surgery after leading Scotland to their first southern hemisphere Test series win in Argentina last June.

Kellock’s inclusion led to a reshuffle in the pack, with Nathan Hines moving to blindside flanker alongside Kelly Brown at No 8.

Nick De Luca replaces the injured Graeme Morrison at inside centre, while Max Evans begins on the left wing in place of Sean Lamont.

Vice-captain Rory Lawson, who was skipper when Scotland beat the world champion Springboks in November, is in confident mood.

“This is a big Six Nations for us,” said the Gloucester scrum-half. “Everyone’s buzzing and raring to go.”